SUPERINTENDENT ROY BROOKS SHARES HIS GOALS AND MISSIONS WITH HIS ENLARGED STUDENT CABINETBoard Room A of Sumter County Schools' Central Office was filled with excitement and anticipation as Dr. Roy Brooks greeted 30 students for the first meeting of his Student Cabinet. Members are principal-selected from both middle schools and Americus High North and South Campuses.

A light buffet breakfast of mixed fruit, pastries, and assorted beverages was prepared by Mrs. Martha Harvey, Director of School Nutrition for Sumter County Schools. At each student's place, a fun-pack of assorted school-related and informational leaflets was presented. First on the meeting's agenda was a review of the Vision and Priorities of Dr. Brooks. The Vision, "The Sumter County School District will be one of the highest achieving rural school districts in Georgia," was then discussed. Students raised their hand to offer ideas for realizing this Vision. Dr. Brooks then invited discussion and student support for his six priorities. Top priority for Dr. Brooks is Student Achievement. Operational Efficiency or the demonstration and wise and efficient use of public monies was priority two. Priority three is Customer Service to increase responsiveness and accountability to our customers. The fourth priority, Public Relations and Marketing, will provide a marketing strategy that will ensure a strong public image. Priority number five, Student Discipline, will seek to provide a safe and positive learning environment, and priority six, Employee Professionalism, will ensure competent and professional staff in Sumter County Schools. With review of each priority, Dr. Brooks invited active comment and dialog from each cabinet member.

After election of 2011-12 officers for the Students Cabinet, each student was requested to complete a one-page questionnaire of insight into all aspects of their school's operation and environment. "In my classes, I always made class assignments. My next Cabinet Meeting will be on Thursday, November 17. For that meeting, please develop a resume of your school and community involvement. Also, I want a one-half page Bio of who you are, your family, your church affiliation, your likes and dislikes and all the good things about you," requested Dr. Brooks.

Nearing the end of his 60-minute meeting, Dr. Brooks then presented students with another gift. Mr. Daron Tyson, owner of Tystanic Customs of Americus, had written a letter of challenge to the cabinet members and included a crisp $10 bill in each envelope.